Amidst the fun, there is a thriving arts scene in Baltimore. Seven galleries at the American Visionary Art Museum feature unique works by self-taught artists, an outdoor wildflower garden, sculpture garden and a gourmet restaurant. The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) hosts a dazzling collection of mosaics and contemporary art and special traveling exhibits. The James E. Lewis Museum of Art at Morgan State University showcases African, African-American, European and Asian art. Mount Vernon and Fell’s Point are two of Baltimore’s primary art gallery neighborhoods.

Baltimore is rich in performing arts. The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center is the centerpiece of world-class performing arts in Baltimore. The Baltimore Opera performs an amazing mix of performance styles from Verdi to Dead Man Walking by American Jake Heggie. Arena Players, Inc. is the nation’s oldest operating African American community theater. And, don’t overlook performances at the Centerstage, Everyman Theatre, Maryland Stage Company, Morris Mechanic Theater, Fells Point Players, and Vagabond Theater. Check out upcoming performances, festivals and exhibits in the Baltimore Sun each week.